Current Events > Are racing games basically done now, unless you're Forza?

(+) Yeah! (+)

I speak somewhat anecdotally from my evening/weekend job at a video game store... but...

Codemasters just released the entire group of people that did Onrush, which is a neat idea for a racing game. The Crew 2 has come out, and thus far I have sold... (checks) 1 copy on PS4, none on XB1. Wipeout Omega Collection sits on our shelves not sold, and even something like Gran Turismo Sport is in very ready supply at a near bargain price tag.

Beyond Forza, there doesn't seem to be any pure racing game doing well at all anymore. Yeah, Mario Kart does well, and tangentially I guess Trials does really well... but.... that's kinda it.
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The last racing games I enjoyed were...

Road Rash 3 for the Genesis

Need For Speed... something.... that let me BE the cops and take out racers.

Burnout 3 I think? Cause it had a crash mode that was fun.
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*bump*
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Mario Kart

Yeah probably. I think a numbered Gran Turisimo could still do well. Sonic Racing should be fine too.

But it seems like a tough market for racers overall. A lot of studios recently have closed down trying to compete.
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We need a Crash Team Racing remaster.

And a new F-Zero.
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I think Wreckfest is doing decently.

Crew 2 flopped because it sucked.

It's a shame Onrush did so poorly, but I hadn't even heard of it until a week ago, and I love racing games.

On the whole, though, yes, arcade racers seem to have a tough time finding an audience right now, sadly.
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ArchangelBaruch posted...

And a new F-Zero.

There's a reason why there hasn't been a new F-Zero.
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Racing games have been strugling for over 15 years now. But yeah, Forza and Mario Kart seem just fine. Still popular with many people.
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Forza, Mario Kart, Dirt
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They've become niche for some time now. I think the other issue is that people want simple arcade or kart racing games. Onrush was kind of like the main Dirt games, where you need to do some braking or drifting to get past a corner.
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I would have bought onrush if it was a budget title.
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Gran Turismo
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The Wipeout Omega Collection is fantastic, especially in VR mode
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Project Cars exists
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There's Grip.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBblXmXFCJY" data-time="
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Project Cars has already been mentioned ITT as a challenger to Forza/GT. PC2 was just kinda frustrating on controller, but if you use a wheel I think it's at least on par with FM7

Assetto Corsa is another sim that the hardcore folks swear by, but it definitely isn't for the casual folks

The Dirt games seem to do well enough, and I know the F1 series has a small but dedicated set of fans (myself included). Shame Codemasters couldn't get more attention for Onrush, because it seemed like the sort of idea that could've spawned copycats if it took off.

Milestone has a bunch of motorcycle racing games that reviews suggest are mostly meh. I still might get Ride 3 eventually. They also did Gravel, which is a passable arcade racer.

WRC 7 was really well received, but there don't seem to be signs of WRC 8 anytime soon. Kylotonn also made the Isle of Man TT game that came out this year, but that had mixed opinions

EA has really fucked up Need for Speed

I enjoy The Crew 2, but it's a game that still needs more if it's gonna win over fans

Dakar 18 seems really ambitious, but it's not clear if it'll be any good

I played Wreckfest years ago in early access and enjoyed it. Might get the console version when it comes out this fall
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I'm curious, TC, is there a similar dynamic with other genres? It feels like the industry as a whole is split between a few big franchises, and then indie games, without that middle range of medium quality developers. But there are probably more games and competition at that top end when it comes to shooters than racers.
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Alternate theory: a lot of the appetite for mid-level arcade racing is eaten up by GTA Online
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Antifar posted...

Alternate theory: a lot of the appetite for mid-level arcade racing is eaten up by GTA Online

Are the racing modes that popular in GTA online?
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TommyG663513 posted...

Are the racing modes that popular in GTA online?

*shrug* I genuinely don't know
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Antifar posted...

I'm curious, TC, is there a similar dynamic with other genres? It feels like the industry as a whole is split between a few big franchises, and then indie games, without that middle range of medium quality developers. But there are probably more games and competition at that top end when it comes to shooters than racers.

I don't see it as much in other genres. A lot of sports games are just dominated by one leader though. Sony for baseball, EA for hockey and football, 2K for basketball (even if they keep trying with NBA Live). Golf is oddly varied. Hot Shots/Everybody's Golf is doing well, Golf Club has a GREAT course editor and fun gameplay, and EA has Rory McIlroy, but it is delisted now. EA and the PGA are having some issues.
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Antifar posted...

I'm curious, TC, is there a similar dynamic with other genres? It feels like the industry as a whole is split between a few big franchises, and then indie games, without that middle range of medium quality developers. But there are probably more games and competition at that top end when it comes to shooters than racers.

Yeah I think the mid-range game in general is hurting. Too expensive to be bought day one but too budget to be a day one purchase.

But something about the arcade racer seems to hit hard. Bizarre Creations, Evolution Studios and Black Rock Studios were all critically acclaimed studios have been closed down. This new Codemasters team is probably next. They had massive lay-offs the other day.
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